ART2102 is pleased to present Dispatches and Directions: On Artist-Run Organizations in Los Angeles, a compendium of works, thoughts, essays and a directory of artist-run and nonprofit projects in Los Angeles.

ABOUT DISPATCHES AND DIRECTIONSOver the past several years ART2102 has acted as a platform for artists and curators in Los Angeles to realize their projects and exhibitions. From its space in Boyle Heights, ART2102 hosted a vibrant program known for its open cultural discourse and flexibility of ideas, and for engaging both local and international artists at various stages in their careers. Gradually, ART2102 moved away from this physical site as its programming and initiatives engaged with the large network of other artists-run spaces across Los Angeles and Southern California.

Dispatches and Directions, the final publication and project of ART2102, does not simply document this history, but emulates the organization's role as a platform and a network by spotlighting a number of current and recent artists-run collaborations in Los Angeles, many of which will continue to thrive as ART2102 recedes. The publication devotes space for these organizations to describe their work, and looks at the legacy of ART2102 in light of the diverse range of programming emulated by these groups.

It also includes thoughts and anecdotes from Kate Fowle, Rika Hiro, Songmi Huff, Thomas Lawson, Paul McCarthy, Yoshua Okon, Renaud Proch and Erlea Maneros Zabala; an essay by Sarah Lehrer-Graiwer; a directory of over 60 artist-run and nonprofit organizations; and a specially commissioned "Star Chart" to help navigate the scene, by artist Jim Skuldt.

The publication was designed in collaboration with Willem Henri Lucas. Dispatches and Directions is distributed in North America distribution by Textfield, Inc.

LAUNCH EVENT AND PUBLIC DISCUSSIONSThe launch event, including the public symposium, will take place on January 15, 2011, from 2 to 6 P.M. at LA><ART, 2640 S. La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034. (map)

In conjunction with the launch of Dispatches and Directions, some of the most interesting artists and organizers in Los Angeles will engage each other in discussion on a variety of topics relevant to their work.

Program Details:Giles Miller and Wu Tsang, moderated by Jennifer DoyleOn performance, spaces and community

Eve Fowler and Davida Nemeroff, moderated by Dorit CypisOn organizing as part of practice, and artist as curators

Lauri Firstenberg and Renaud Proch, moderated by Yunhee MinOn notions of independence and being alternative in the LA art world

Thomas Lawson and Piero Golia, moderated by Sarah Lehrer-GraiwerOn art schools, information exchange, and the context of Los Angeles as a productive space

Ending reception

Public discussions will continue in conjunction with the Collective Show, Los Angeles on January 20-30, 2011 (TBD) in Chinatown; and at "Re-opening", by MATERIAL at Outpost of Contemporary Art on January 30, 2011.

ABOUT ART2102Established in Los Angeles in 2003, ART2102 is an itinerant nonprofit that is a catalyst for local and international collaboration between practitioners while providing a responsive context for artists, writers and curators to develop independent projects.

In response to the cultural climate of Southern California and the particular urban condition of Los Angeles, ART2102 focuses on providing a support structure for projects that are unwilling or unsuited to being enacted in the traditional institutional or commercial frame. ART2102’s program strives to incorporate, but is not limited to, gallery-based exhibitions, panel discussions and screenings which expand the dialogue between local, international, emerging and mid-career artists. Functioning as both a structural support for projects realized on- and off-site, and as a place for critical reflection, ART2102 sees its role as a unique site of exchange for contemporary practitioners – be they curators, artists, or critics – invested in the political and social aspects of art.

SUPPORT THIS PUBLICATIONSupport Dispatches and Directions by purchasing a copy online; by pledging funds to donate a copy to an art institution or library; or by donating money to directly offset the costs of publication.Purchase/Pledge/Donate at our website (scroll towards bottom of the page).

A list of art institutions and libraries who receive donated copies will be posted to the ART2102 website. Please contact info@2102.org for purchases requiring international shipping.

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